ACE Electoral News

ACE Electoral News

Afghan election official is held, police say, The New York Times (2010)

This article reports on the arrest of the provincial head of the Independent Election Commission in the Khost Province. In this province, the Electoral Complaints Commission received 206 written complaints. Shahzada Hassan is accused of accepting bribes in exchange for election positions, and many witnesses reported that even low-rank employees had to pay to be recruited.

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Bahrain: Voter's Guide, Legislation & Legal Opinion Commission (2010)

This guide includes all instructions on the municipal and parliamentary elections 2010 of Bahrain, and information on voting centers.

Zambia: RB assures a free, fair 2011 election, The Lusaka Times (2010)

This article reports on President Rupiah Banda's statements about next year's elections in Zambia. The President guaranteed peaceful, free and fair elections, and called for chiefs to promote unity in their communities and on a national level.

Nigeria: INEC's quest for time extension, AllAfrica (2010)

This article discusses the work of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in preparation for the forthcoming elections in Nigeria. Recently, the Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, asked for a postponement of the January 2011 elections, and the author comments the latest developments in the management of the elections in Nigeria. The election timetable was drafted before the Chairman of the Commission was even appointed, and too little time was scheduled for the voter registration activities.

Ethiopia's Meles sworn-in as PM after May elections, Reuters (2010)

This article reports on the nomination of Meles Zenawi as Prime Minister of Ethiopia. Four months after the elections, Meles sworn in as Prime Minister on Monday and will now start to appoint his ministers. The European Union observer mission report is yet to be published, but other international observers said that the election did not meet international standards and that the opposition was highly disadvantaged in the campaign (the opposition coalition eventually won only one seat in the parliament).

Venezuela: Chávez faces stronger opposition, The Hindu (2010)

This article comments the results and outcomes of the latest elections in Venezuela. President Hugo Chávez's United Socialist Party of Venezuela won the majority of the seats in the National Assembly, 96 out of 165, while the opposition United Movement for Democracy won 64 seats. The President's party, however, failed to win the 2/3 majority needed for major legislations and reforms, as well as to approve the judiciary appointments. 66% of the eligible voters cast their ballots, a high figure for the country that reveals the intense interest in this elections.

Philippines: Comelec to discuss poll protests with electoral tribunals, The Philippine Star (2010).

This article discusses meeting between Philippines’ Commission on Elections (Comelec), residential Electoral Tribunal (PET), Senate Electoral Tribunal (SET) and House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal (HRET) for electoral protest cases in the May 10 Elections.

Philippines: Comelec alters procedures for barangay, SK elections, The Philippine Star (2010).

This article discusses Comelec resolution on voters’ list and compensation rate for teachers for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections.

Malaysia: Students Not Completely Barred From Politics - Mohamed Khaled, Bernama (2010).

This article discusses forms of participation for Students of higher learning institutions in politics as stated by Malaysian Higher Education Minister.

Keep Indonesia's Political Parties Out of Poll Bodies: Survey, The Jakarta Globe (2010).

This article discusses a survey conducted by IFES on Indonesia Electoral Management Body regarding people’s satisfactory and support for insulating KPU from political pressures.

Indonesia: New Polling Commissioner Sworn in Amid Controversy Over Predecessor, The Jakarta Globe (2010).

This article discusses new member of the General Elections Commission (KPU) after seat vacated on June 30 by its former member Andi Nurpati.

Laos Offers Support for Burmese Election, The Irrawaddy (2010).

This article discusses Laos’ support for Myanmar’s November 7 elections after Myanmar junta chief Snr-Gen Than Shwe visited Laos as reported by Myanmar state-run newspapers.

How Will Post-election Burma Look? The Irrawaddy (2010).

This article discusses the situation for Myanmar after the November 7 election and experiences in post election situation in other Southeast Asia countries.

French Polynesia township awaits ruling on Vernaudon re-election bid, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

This article reports on the decision over whether or not new municipal elections will be called in the French Polynesian township of Mahina. The former mayor, Emile Vernaudon, became the first person under French jurisdiction to be elected mayor while in jail in 2008. He was accused of alleged fraud and his trial will start next month.

Samoa party still confirming list, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

This article reports on the finalization of the candidates' list for the Tautua Samoa Party. The general elections in Samoa are scheduled for March 2011.

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Samoa to go to polls in early March, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

This article reports on the announcement of the final date for the next general elections in Samoa. The Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, announced the date in the parliament, adding that the assembly will be dissolved in January. Samoan voters will cast their ballots on March 4th, 2011. The Human Rights Protection Party, in power since 1979, currently holds two thirds of the seats in the 49-seat parliament, and it is the leading party in the forthcoming electoral race.

Cook Islands political party calls job offer a bribe, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

This article reports on accusations of "election" bribery in Cooks Islands. The deputy prime minister, Robert Wigmore, offered a job in the Investment Corporation Board to a political opponent and the opposition Cook Islands Party accused him of election bribery. Mr Wigmore will run in the November 17 general elections.

US seeks to lock in 2014 Fiji election date, Radio New Zealand International (2010)

This article reports on the United States' decision to make sure that the Fijian interim government will keep its commitment to hold elections by 2014. The United States expressed its intentions to restore relations, but wants more guarantees from the Fijian government.